The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby
The Go Radio Politics Show is hosted by veteran political journalist Bernard Ponsonby, this is the show for the people—cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters in Scottish politics. Bernard leads the way with sharp analysis, spirited debate, and unfiltered commentary.
Drug Deaths, Council Reform and Scotland's Constitutional Divide
Go Radio Politics Show: September 27th, 23rd 2026.
This is the catch-up edition of Bernard Ponsonby's weekly live Sunday politics show on Go Radio, bringing you the biggest political stories, debates and interviews from across Scotland and beyond in one convenient podcast.
On this week’s Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Stephen Kerr MSP, Sanne Dijkstra Downie MSP and former SNP MP/MSP Anne McLaughlin for a lively debate on three major issues shaping Scotland.
The panel tackles Scotland’s rising drug deaths crisis, the Scottish Government’s plans f...
Michael Marra's Labour Test
Go Radio Politics Show: September 20th, 23rd 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Scottish Labour has a new leader, but can Michael Marra revive the party's fortunes after another difficult election result?
This week, Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Paul Sweeney and Chris Stephens to discuss Labour's future, public sector reform, and the challenges facing Scottish politics. The panel also debates whether the UK's constitutional future is beginning to shift following a landmark meeting between nationalist leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. <...
Who Can Fix Glasgow? The Battle for the City’s Future
Go Radio Politics Show: September 13th, 23rd 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Glasgow has a new council leader, but can the city overcome the huge challenges ahead?
Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Glasgow City Council Leader Ricky Bell, Labour's Rashid Hussain and Reform UK's Thomas Kerr for a wide-ranging debate on the future of Scotland's largest city. From council finances and equal pay to homelessness, asylum pressures, bin collections, council tax and the possibility of a Greater Glasgow authority, the panel...
2 Pound Bus Cap, Starmer Steps Away & Is Farage On The Way Out?
Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Alex Kerr ,SNP, David Smith, Reform and Katherine Sangster, Labour as they diccuss the week in politics.
Scottish Labour Leadership Special
Welcome to Glasgow... But Is It Safe?
Go Radio Politics Show: August, 23rd 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
This week on the Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby and his panel tackle three of Scotland's most pressing issues. First, they examine the fierce debate sparked by a BBC documentary on Glasgow city centre, asking whether concerns about crime, drug use, homelessness and public safety reflect reality or risk damaging the city's reputation.
The discussion then turns to Scotland's justice system, where growing court backlogs, lengthy trial delays and prison overcrowding a...
Public Service Spending, Government Legislation, Nigel Farage & More
Join Steven Bonnar SNP MSP, Graeme Downie MP for Labour & Duncan Dunlop Lib Dems as they discuss the latest in Scottish Politics.
Sturgeon & Sweeney, Labour Leadership Contest and The Future for Young People
Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Tommy Sheridan, Young Scot Chief Executive John Loughton, SNP's Colm Merrick and Labour's Graeme Downie.
The Go Radio Politics Show: Is Income Tax Fair? GP Walk In Surgeries & More
Join Bernard Ponsonby as he is joined by David Green MSP, Paul McLennan MSP and Brian Monteith to discuss income tax flaws, the impact of political decisions on young people and the new GP Walk In surgeries.
The Burnham Bounce, The Sarwar Exit and The Independence Question
Go Radio Politics Show: July 26th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
This episode tackles some of the biggest political and cultural stories shaping Scotland and the UK right now. From Andy Burnham's dramatic first week as Prime Minister to the future of Scottish Labour and the fate of Glasgow's iconic School of Art, Bernard Ponsonby and his guests deliver a lively, often fiery debate.
Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has hit the ground running with a wave of policy announcements aimed at...
Burnham's Britain: A New PM, Old Problems?
Go Radio Politics Show: July 19th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
This episode tackles politics at a moment of major change, rising tensions, and plenty of controversy. From a new Prime Minister taking office to concerns about political extremism and a spirited debate over football, the panel leaves no topic untouched. A new era begins at Westminster as Andy Burnham prepares to enter Downing Street, but can he succeed where Keir Starmer fell short? Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Labour's John Grady, the SNP's Graeme Downie, an...Nigel Farage Own Goal? Commonwealth Games Challenges & Glasgow Protest
Go Radio Politics Show: July 12th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard is joined by Reform's Angela Ross, SNP's Bailey Annette Christie and Labour's Chris Murray.
This week on the Go Radio Politics Show, the panel tackles Nigel Farage’s shock resignation and by-election gamble, asking whether it’s a masterstroke against the political establishment or a risky move that could backfire spectacularly. With questions swirling around donations, transparency, and accountability, the debate becomes a broader discussion about trust in politics and the futur...
Can Burnham Deliver Change? Are We Spending Enough on Defence? | The Go Radio Politics Show
Go Radio Politics Show: July 5th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode! Is Andy Burnham offering a genuine new direction for Britain, or simply a fresh face leading the same agenda? This week's Go Radio Politics Show tackles the big political questions dominating Westminster and Holyrood.Bernard Ponsonby and guests Frank McNally (Labour), Patrick Harvie (Scottish Greens) and Michelle Campbell (SNP) debate Burnham's vision for decentralising power, the future of devolution, and whether Labour's commitment to strict fisc...
Andy Burnham: Prime Minister in Waiting? & Peter Murrell Jailed — Should There Be an Inquiry?
Go Radio Politics Show: June 28th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
On this episode Bernard is joined by Christine Jardine MP and Kirsten Sullivan MP & Calum Kerr MSP.
A dramatic week in UK and Scottish politics takes centre stage as leadership shake-ups, financial scandal, and media tensions collide. With Keir Starmer stepping aside and Andy Burnham poised for a potential “coronation,” the panel debates whether a new leader can truly reset Labour’s direction—or simply repackage the same challenges.
Meanwhile, the sente...
Power Plays & Poll Shocks: Is the PM Finished?
Go Radio Politics Show: June 21st, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Westminster is on the brink as pressure mounts on the Prime Minister’s future following a dramatic by-election shake-up. In this fast-moving episode, Bernard Ponsonby and a cross-party panel dissect the political fallout—from leadership turmoil in Labour to seismic shifts in Scottish politics and the rise (or stall) of Reform UK.
With tensions high and opinions split, the conversation dives into whether the UK is facing a full political reset—or just mo...
Breaking Point: Budgets, Backlash & Britain’s Divide
Go Radio Politics Show: June 14th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
When public services are stretched and tensions rise, where does responsibility really lie?
This episode dives into the growing financial crisis facing Scottish councils, with a £500 million shortfall forcing tough choices on taxes, services, and jobs. Panelists debate who’s to blame—from central government funding models to local decision-making—and whether the entire system is broken beyond repair.
But the conversation takes a sharper turn as the panel tackles recent u...
Fault Lines in Power: Scandals, Elections, and Public Trust
Go Radio Politics Show: June 7th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
This week on The Go Radio Politics Show, the fallout from the Peter Murrell scandal continues to dominate the political landscape, raising urgent questions about trust, transparency, and accountability within the SNP. Can John Swinney truly draw a line under the controversy—or is this story far from over?
The panel digs into the growing calls for a parliamentary inquiry, the public’s demand for answers, and whether political damage has already been...
Is Anyone in Charge? Scandal and Strategy in UK Politics
Go Radio Politics Show: May 31st, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
This week on The Go Radio Politics Show, the fallout from the Peter Murrell embezzlement case takes centre stage as politicians clash over accountability, governance, and trust in Scottish politics.
Should there be a full probe into the SNP’s internal failures—or is the matter already settled?
Beyond the scandal, the panel dives into the growing turmoil inside UK Labour, as Tony Blair delivers a stinging critique of Keir Starm...
A New Cabinet, A New Era… or More of the Same?
Go Radio Politics Show: May 24th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Power shifts, tough choices, and the future of politics.
In this episode, Bernard Ponsonby and a panel of political heavyweights unpack a seismic moment in UK and Scottish politics. With a newly appointed Scottish Government cabinet, questions loom over whether fresh faces can deliver real change—or if it’s more of the same.
The debate heats up as guests tackle the harsh reality of public sector reform, balancing budgets, and w...
Westminster in Meltdown, Holyrood Reset Begins
Go Radio Politics Show: May 17th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
This week Bernard is joined by Thomas Kerr MSP - Reform UK Scotland, Joe Fagan MSP - Scottish Labour and via Zoom, Alyn Smith MSP - SNP.
A political storm is brewing—and this episode dives right into the chaos. From mounting pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to a potentially game-changing by-election that could reshape Labour’s future, the panel unpacks a week of high-stakes drama at Westminster.
With...
Scotland Votes: Winners, Losers, and a Fractured Future
Go Radio Politics Show: May 10th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Scotland’s election has reshaped the political map—and the fallout is only just beginning. In this episode of The Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby is joined by voices from across Holyrood to unpack what really happened at the ballot box and what it means for Scotland’s future.
With the SNP extending its dominance, Reform UK breaking through in a big way, Labour struggling to convert Westminster success into Holyrood gains...
Counting Down to Polling Day: Voters, Turnout and Trust
Go Radio Politics Show: May 3rd, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
With polling day just days away, Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Paul Sweeney (Scottish Labour), Alex Kerr (SNP) and former Conservative MSP Brian Monteith to dissect a campaign many voters see as uninspiring, shallow, and disconnected.
The panel explores fears of low turnout, the absence of serious debate on public finances, the NHS and Scotland’s economic future, and whether televised leaders’ debates are generating more heat than light. In part two, the c...
Scottish Election 2026: The Most Boring Election & Why It Matters More Than Ever
Go Radio Politics Show: April 26th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
In one of the most candid and clear-eyed discussions of the Scottish election so far, Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Johann Lamont (former Scottish Labour Leader), Stewart McDonald (former SNP Defence Spokesman), and Professor Adam Tomkins (former Conservative MSP)—three seasoned political figures speaking freely, without party lines to defend. Together, they deliver a bracing critique of an election campaign many voters seem barely to notice.
From the growing disconnect between manifesto pro...
Scottish Election 2026: The Battle for Scotland’s Future
Go Radio Politics Show: April 19th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
A fiery, wide‑ranging political showdown at a crucial moment for Scotland.
Bernard Ponsonby is joined by voices from the Scottish Greens, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK Scotland as election manifestos land and fault lines deepen.
The panel clashes over taxation, the cost‑of‑living crisis, NHS reform, welfare, and free public transport, exposing starkly different visions for Scotland’s future.
Election manifestos collide
The Scottish Greens, Liberal D...
Scottish Election 2026: Manifestos, Medicine & the Mood of the Nation
Go Radio Politics Show: April 12th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
In this episode of The Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby brings together leading voices from the SNP, Scottish Labour, and the Scottish Conservatives for a fast‑paced, revealing conversation as Scotland’s election campaign heats up.
Ivan McKee, Isla McCay, and Brian Whittle go head‑to‑head on the week’s biggest political flashpoints — from tax policy and the true state of Scotland’s public services to GP access, justice reform, and the credibi...
Politics Without Illusions: A Hard Look at Scotland’s Future
Go Radio Politics Show: April 5th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Stephen Boyd, director of IPPR Scotland, Holly Bruce (Scottish Greens), Christine Jardine (Scottish Liberal Democrats) and Moira Ramage (Reform Uk).
In this episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, host Bernard Ponsonby dives deep into the defining issues of Scotland’s election campaign — guided by a new framework set out by IPPR Scotland.
Joined by representatives from the Scottish Greens, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK Sc...
Does It Matter Who Wins? Scotland’s Parties Clash Ahead of May 7
Go Radio Politics Show: March 29th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard Ponsonby hosts a fiery three‑way debate between Douglas Lumsden (Scottish Conservatives), Kieron Higgins (Scottish Labour) and Alex Kerr (SNP). With Holyrood dissolved ahead of the 7 May vote, the panel wrestles with the big question: does it really matter who wins?
The conversation ranges from Scotland’s £5bn projected budget shortfall to the future of the NHS, child poverty, ferries, education, and the defining constitutional question — independence. Sparks fly as the guests cl...
Can Voters Trust Manifestos in an Age of Economic and Political Uncertainty?
Go Radio Politics Show: March 22nd, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard dives straight into the political and economic turbulence shaping Scotland and the wider world.
From spiralling energy bills to the legacy of Nicola Sturgeon, the conversation brings together Willie Rennie (Former Leader of Lib Dems), Paul McLennan (SNP MSP) and Jenny Young (Scottish Labour Candidate) for a lively, sometimes fiery, hour of analysis, disagreement, and surprising consensus.
The Middle East Crisis & The Return of the Cost‑of‑Living Storm
Assisted Dying, Buildings Burn & Starmer Under Pressure
Go Radio Politics Show: March 15th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard Ponsonby leads a panel of political heavyweights through three of the most contentious topics dominating Scottish and UK politics right now.
Assisted Dying: Scotland’s Tipping Point?
With a knife‑edge vote looming, Rona MacKay (SNP,) Brian Whittle (Conservatives), Katherine Sangster (Labour) and Brian Monteith (Reform UK) dissect Scotland’s Assisted Dying Bill — its safeguards, moral dilemmas, political pressures, and whether palliative care is ready for such a historic shift.
War, Weak Growth & £10k to Leave
Go Radio Politics Show: March 8th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard Ponsonby leads the panel — Patrick Harvie, Scottish Greens, Alyn Smith SNP and Scottish labour's Vonnie Sandlan — through the week’s most politically charged stories.
From a Middle East crisis reshaping global alliances to sobering UK economic forecasts and a fiercely debated asylum overhaul, this episode delivers tension, insight and the kind of unfiltered political candour listeners crave.
The Middle East in Flames — Is the World Safer or More Dangerous Now?
...Voting Earthquakes & Tax Headaches — A Wild Week in Scottish Politics.
Go Radio Politics Show: March 1st, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard Ponsonby and a lively panel — Malcolm Offord (Reform UK Scotland), David Linden (SNP), and later Annie Wells (Scottish Conservatives) — unpack the Green Party’s historic by‑election win in Gorton & Denton, an upset that has political insiders asking whether the dominance of Labour and the Conservatives is beginning to crumble.
The Gorton & Denton Earthquake
Greens secure their first ever by‑election win — and by a wide margin.
Labour pushed...
Who Pays for Scotland? The Budget Debate Gets Real!
Go Radio Politics Show: February 22nd, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
A fiery, fast‑paced episode with the SNP’s Ivan McKee, Labour’s Joe Fagan, and the Lib Dems’ Susan Murray — plus Bernard’s trademark sharp analysis throughout. With the Lord Advocate under intense political fire, Scotland’s finances facing pressure, and councils preparing fresh tax hikes, this episode is packed with sharp exchanges, revealing insights, and a rare three‑way cross‑party debate that actually finds some agreement.The Lord Advocate in the Political Crosshairs<...
Leadership, Housing, and Justice: The Issues Defining Scotland’s Next Election
Go Radio Politics Show: February 15th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard is joined by:
Alison Thewliss :Former SNP MP Paul Sweeney: MSP Scottish LabourIn this episode of The Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Alison Thewliss and Paul Sweeney for a gripping hour that cuts through the noise on Scotland’s most urgent political flashpoints.
Anas Sarwar’s ‘Extraordinary Intervention’
Why did the Scottish Labour leader publicly call for the Prime Minister to resign—just 81 days...
Epstein, Mandelson & the PM: Westminster’s Week of Maximum Damage
Go Radio Politics Show: February 8th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard is joined by:
John Cooper: MP, Conservative Tommy Sheridan: Alba Party Kokab Stewart: SNP Kay Sillars: UnisonIn this episode of The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby, the panel dives into one of the most tumultuous political weeks in recent UK history.
With the Prime Minister fighting for survival amid the unprecedented Peter Mandelson–Epstein scandal, the conversation quickly expands into a wider interrogation of political judgement, moral...
New Poll Redraws the Map: Reform Rise Sparks Questions Over Scotland’s Political Future
Go Radio Politics Show: February 1st, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Scottish politics roars back as Bernard Ponsonby returns with a packed panel and a poll that could reshape Holyrood.
In an episode the conversation dives straight into the political tremors shaking Scotland ahead of the upcoming election.
Bernard is joined by:
Paul Sweeney (Scottish Labour)
Douglas Lumsden (Scottish Conservatives)
Thomas Kerr (Reform UK Scotland)
Alex Kerr (SNP)
Together, they unpack t...
Faith, Power, and Green Politics: Ross Greer on Scotland’s Future
Go Radio Politics Show: November 23rd, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
In this episode of The Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby sits down with Ross Greer, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, for an in-depth conversation that goes beyond soundbites.
From his unexpected journey into politics—rooted in faith and a sense of justice—to his vision for Scotland’s future, Ross shares candid insights on what drives him, why he chose the Greens, and how he plans to tackle the country’s biggest c...
The Week That Shook UK Politics: Trust, Turmoil & the Future of Public Broadcasting
Go Radio Politics Show: November 16th, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Guests:
Alyn Smith: SNP MP
Aimee Alexander:Reform U.K.
Wendy Chamberlain: Scottish Liberal Democrats
Is the BBC facing an existential crisis after a Panorama scandal and mounting political attacks? Can Keir Starmer survive as Labour’s internal chaos spills into public view? And what does a landmark Supreme Court ruling mean for sexual offence trials in Scotland?
BBC Under Fire: Trust in the BBC hits a his...
Remembrance, Budget Dilemmas, Tactical Voting and the Call for Electoral Change
Go Radio Politics Show: November 9th, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Guests:
Susan Murray: Scottish Liberal Democrat MP (Mid Dumbartonshire)
Ian Blackford: Former Westminster leader of the Scottish National Party
Irene Graham: Former Labour Councillor, Glasgow
Remembrance Reflections: The panel explores the evolving meaning of Remembrance Sunday, the symbolism of red and white poppies, and generational shifts in how sacrifice is honoured.
Veteran Support & Accountability: A powerful segment on the gaps in support for veterans...
The Price of Power: Tax Rises, Public Cuts & Royal Shame
Go Radio Politics Show: November 2nd, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Guests:
Paul McLennan:SNP
Kainde Manji: Labour
Liz Smith: Conservatives
This week’s episode dives deep into the political and fiscal crossroads facing both Westminster and Holyrood.
With the UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves poised to deliver a potentially manifesto-breaking budget, Bernard and his panel dissect the implications for income tax, public spending, and the Scottish block grant.
The conversation intensifies around the Sc...
GP Hubs, Migration Debate, and the China Threat
Go Radio Politics Show: October 19th, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Guests:
Alex Cole-Hamilton: Scottish Lib Dem Leader
Dave Moxham: STUC Deputy General Secretary
Stuart McDonald: Former SNP MP
Sharp analysis, big questions, and no easy answers—this episode is your guide to the stories shaping Scotland’s political landscape.
GP Drop-In Centres: Promise or Pipe Dream?
The SNP’s plan for nationwide GP hubs has sparked controversy. Will these centres ease the NHS crisis...
